Page 48 of Riding the Tide

“Okay, thanks,” Marcus said.

Brett stood, gave his goodbyes, and left.

Blair turned to Marcus. “Um, I know you’re not very familiar with human activities, but next time let’s talk about something like this before you accept and commit both of us.”

Marcus patted Blair’s knee. “I would have, but that ‘request’ to join them tonight was more of a demand. Nisha wants to meet you.”

Blair dropped his head into his hands. “Shit.”

“Hey now.” Marcus pulled on Blair’s arm until Blair looked at him. “Whatever’s going on in that head of yours, just stop it. Nisha isn’t a bad guy.”

“Maybe not, but he’s well aware of what I did—how I stood you up and ran. What if he refuses to accept our mating? We’re not fully mated even. What if he kicks you out of your home!”

“Okay, that’s not going to happen. First off, he has no control over whom I mate, so I don’t really give a damn if he accepts you or not. But he is going to accept you, so there’s nothing to worry about there. If hedoeslose his mind and kicks me out of his territory, it’s not the end of the world. I’ll either claim my own territory or petition to join somebody else’s as I did with Nisha.”

“But that’s yourhome.”

“You don’t get it, do you? Before I met you, I would’ve agreed that my little underwater cave was home, but now? That simply isn’t true. Home is wherever you are.”

Blair’s lower lip trembled, and his eyes stung. A lone tear snaked down his cheek. “Jesus.”

Marcus leaned closer and calmly licked the tear off of Blair’s cheek. He smacked his lips. “Yum. Salty.”

He scrubbed his hands over his face, his laugh on the soggy side. “You don’t say.”

Marcus winked at Blair. “You know how I like salty things.”

Blair shoved his damp hair out of his face. “You are so bad.”

“Maybe so, but I got you to laugh.” Marcus threw his arm around Blair’s shoulders, suddenly serious. “Look, you’re mine and nobody, and I meannobody, gets to hurt you. Not while I’m around. Nisha may be my friend, but you are my mate. The fact we’re not fully mated doesn’t affect how I feel for you.”

“I don’t want to be the reason the two of you have a falling out.”

“You won’t be.”

“I hope so.” Blair stood. “We’ve got the better part of the day before we’re due over there, so you want to go eat? Then maybe we could go into town and play tourist?”

Marcus stood. “Sounds good. Do you mind if I borrow more clothes?”

“Of course not.” Blair wrapped his arms around Marcus’ waist and hugged him. “I, um, kind of enjoy seeing you in my clothes.”

“But you enjoy seeing me out of them more, right?” Marcus waggled his eyebrows.

“Absolutely.” Blair stepped back.

“That’s the right answer. Why don’t I go shower, and you throw some clothes on the bed for me to wear.”

“Sounds like a deal.”

After Marcus showered and dressed, they went to Sandals and ate lunch. From there Blair flagged down a taxi, and they went into town.

HOURS LATER they returned to the resort, showered again, and dressed. Brett called and asked them to meet him in the lobby.

“You ready?”

“No, but let’s get going any way.”

Marcus caught Blair by the elbow and pulled him closer. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

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